IT’S a world away from the stately old paddle steamers that transported tourists across the Bristol Channel in the middle of the last century.

IT’S a world away from the stately old paddle steamers that transported tourists across the Bristol Channel in the middle of the last century.

But this high-speed ferry is revealed today as the 21st century successor to the pleasure cruisers that linked South Wales to the south-west of England for decades.

The new daily service between Swansea and Ilfracombe will begin early next year, cutting the journey time between South Wales and Devon to just 30 minutes.

The Severn Link service will be the first time a modern fast-ferry route has joined the two shores of the Bristol Channel, and is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs and millions of pounds of spending to South Wales.

Those behind the scheme say the Bristol Channel is the only waterway of its type in the world not to be traversed by a regular ferry service.

Plans are in place to extend the service – which is scheduled to run at least two return trips a day – to a number of other ports in South Wales, and in Devon and Somerset.

The 350-capacity ships, which have a top speed of 39mph, will initially carry only passengers, but bosses behind the link have indicated they are exploring the potential to transport cars across the channel. The cost of a one-way trip will be £22.

Tourist attractions on both sides of the Severn are expected to get millions of pounds of new spending if the scheme is successful.

A total of 50 full-time jobs are being created initially by Severn Link, which expects to have a turnover of £8m in five years.

If the Swansea-Ilfracombe service is a success as anticipated, more South Wales-West Country fast ferries will be introduced from Penarth to Minehead and there could also be a Porthcawl to Ilfracombe service.

Severn Link’s maritime business expert, chairman Chris Marrow, a West Country resident who has established ferry links throughout Africa, thought up the idea.

He said: “This is a bold new step to reconnect the communities, heritage and history of two areas which, despite lying within sight of each other, have never before had the opportunity within modern times to take advantage of their neighbouring status – whether practically, economically or socially.”

Marrow has taken on as his managing director Geoff Metcalf, the Llantrisant born accountant who once advised the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohomad bin Rashid al Maktoum, on where to spend his money as he commissioned the world’s biggest dry dock in the oil rich state.

And Brian Morgan, professor of entrepreneurship at Uwic’s Business School in Cardiff – who founded the Welsh Whisky Company – is non-executive director of the new business.

Speaking of the reasons behind setting up Severn Link yesterday, Mr Marrow added: “To my knowledge, there is no other comparable stretch of water in the world, linking similarly populated areas, which doesn’t have a heavily utilised ferry service.

“And market research has shown there is a huge demand for this ferry route within South Wales.

“Not only will tourism and lifestyle businesses in Swansea and the surrounding area be able to directly appeal to the million plus visitors to the north Devon coast each year for shopping trips and excursions, the ferry will also provide easy access for residents of south-west England to the fantastic Welsh cultural and sporting facilities and onward transport links.”

He added: “The ferry link will create a much-needed feeder service for tourists from, and travelling through, south-west England who are holidaying in Ireland – offering hugely improved access to Irish ferries via the new Fastnet Line service from Swansea to Cork.” “Additionally, the improved access across the Bristol Channel means that it will be easier than ever before for residents in South Wales and South West England to take affordable short breaks or day trips in their neighbouring region across the water, opening up the domestic holiday market and keeping transport costs to a minimum.

“In addition, I hope that Severn Link will become instrumental in helping to sustain the historic and longstanding connections between the Celtic nations of Wales and Cornwall.”

Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said: “This is terrific news that comes in the wake of the announcement that the Swansea to Cork ferry is being reinstated from St David’s Day next year.

“A fast cat service from Swansea to Ilfracombe would be a boost for the city’s tourism economy and would allow Swansea people easier access to Devon and the south west of England.

“The service would also introduce many visitors from the Devon area to Swansea Bay for the very first time, where I’m sure attractions such as Gower would make a hugely positive impression and would encourage people to return.”

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